Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Seirra Leone, which secured their qualification for next year’s AFCON in Ivory Coast didn’t come without raising dust as Nigerians subjected the Eagles performance to scrutiny, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored a stoppage time winner for the three-time African champions after Victor Osimhen’s first half brace was cancelled out by the Leone Stars.
Fans took to social media to rate the Eagles performance after the hard-fought win.
Kenneth Omeruo, who captained the Eagles on the day, and Southampton midfielder Joe Aribo, received flaks from the fans, who claimed they weren’t at their best against the Sierra Leoneans.
“Omeruo was the worst defender in the game. He made nearly seven mistakes in 40 minutes. Thank God Semi Ajayi was solid.
“Imagine how Omeruo got beaten for pace for a ball he was ahead of the striker initially and we conceded,” a fan, Ayotomiwa, noted.
“The problem included Aribo. Completely rusty and heavy and Omeruo rushing out all the time and not able to get back into position caused panic at the back,” he added.
Some of the fans, however, praised Israel-based goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye — who was handed his first start by coach Jose Peseiro — for putting up a fine performance despite conceding two goals.
“He might have conceded 2 goals, but this Super Eagles new goalkeeper was fantastic today,” @_AsiwajuLerry stated on Twitter.
Ustaz Ahmad Albadawy added, “Man literally saved super eagles ass today for real!”
Big Jude hailed Adeleye, adding he needs to improve on Sunday’s performance.
“Very solid but needs to improve distribution.”
@JohndHR stated, “He might have pin the number 1 shirt for himself ahead of the flying man Uzoho and handsome goalie Maduka.”
